Game Machine

ABSTRACT

A game machine includes lifting devices and a base having a panel with through-holes. Each lifting device includes a target object aligned with one of the through-holes, a driving device, a link connected between the target object and the driving device, and a sensor unit. Each driving device drives a corresponding link upward or downward to move the corresponding target object through one of the through-holes to an extended position or a retracted position. A loudspeaker is mounted to the base. A control device is mounted to the base, is coupled to the driving device and the sensor unit of each lifting device, and is coupled to the loudspeaker. When the sensor unit detects the corresponding target object is hit, the sensor unit generates a hit signal and sends the hit signal to the control device, and the control device controls the loudspeaker to generate a musical scale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game machine and, more particularly, to a game machine that includes target objects to be hit by a gamer and that can generate continuous musical scales to form a tune.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitting type game machines, such as Whack-A-Mole game machines, have been one of the most popular game machines for a long time. FIG. 1 shows a conventional game machine 9 of hitting type. The game machine 9 includes a cabinet 91 and a plurality of target objects 92. The game machine 9 drives the target objects 92 to pop out of the cabinet 91, and a gamer can hit the target objects 92 for entertainment. An example of such a game machine 9 is disclosed in Taiwan Utility Model No. M360722 entitled “PUPPET DRIVING MECHANISM FOR A GAME MACHINE WITH A ROTATION-PREVENTING FUNCTION”.

However, the game machine 9 only provides the target objects 92 to be hit by users for entertainment purposes. It is difficult to add any change to the game content of the game machine 9 except changing the outlines of the target objects 92. Thus, the gamer playing the game machine 9 can only feel carefree during the game by hitting. Neither the sense of achievement of clearing a stage nor other entertaining feelings are provided, causing limitation to the entertaining effect of the game machine 9 and, hence, creating a bar to the market value.

Furthermore, although the manufacturers can change the number of the target objects 92 or adjust the frequency of each target object 92 popping out of the cabinet 91 to increase the difficulty of the game for the purposes of attracting the gamers to keep playing by providing different challenges, the game content of the game machine 9 is still hitting. It is boring without other game factors. Thus, the gamers are less interested in playing the game machine 9 again. As a result, the game machine 9 gets old really fast.

In view of the limited entertaining effect and fast getting old of the game machine 9, a need exists for a novel game machine including target objects to be hit by gainers and having enhanced market value by providing increased gaming effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a game machine including a plurality of lifting devices, a loudspeaker, and a control device. The control device can send an ascending signal to each lifting device 2 according to each note in a preset tune. The loudspeaker can continuously generate musical signals to form the tune when a target object of each lifting device is hit, increasing the entertaining effect of the game machine and avoiding the game machine from getting old fast.

The present invention fulfills the above objective by providing a game machine including a base having a panel with a plurality of through-holes. The game machine further includes a plurality of lifting devices. Each lifting device includes a link, a driving device, a target object, and a sensor unit. Each link includes two ends respectively connected to a corresponding driving device and a corresponding target object. Each target object is aligned with one of the plurality of through-holes of the panel. Each driving device drives a corresponding link upward or downward to move the corresponding target object through one of the plurality of through-holes to an extended position extending out of an outer surface of the panel or a retracted position below the outer surface of the panel. Each sensor unit is located adjacent to the corresponding link to detect whether the corresponding target object is hit. A loudspeaker is mounted to the base. A control device is mounted to the base, is coupled to the driving device and the sensor unit of each lifting device, and is coupled to the loudspeaker.

When the sensor unit detects the corresponding target object is hit, the sensor unit generates a hit signal indicative of hitting and sends the hit signal to the control device, and the control device receives the hit signal and controls the loudspeaker to generate a musical scale.

In an embodiment, the control device sends an ascending signal to the driving device of each lifting device, and the driving device of each lifting device receives the ascending signal and drives the corresponding link to move upward, causing upward movement of the corresponding target object to extend out of the panel via a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes aligned with the corresponding lifting device.

In the embodiment, the control device includes a tune stored therein. The tune includes a plurality of notes corresponding to a plurality of ascending signals. The control device continuously sends the plurality of ascending signals according to the plurality of notes of the tune.

In the embodiment, each sensor unit is pressed and generates the hit signal when the corresponding target object extends out of the panel is hit, and the hit signal is transmitted back to the control device.

In the embodiment, the control device receives the hit signals generated by the sensor units of the plurality of lifting devices and controls the loudspeaker to generate musical signals having different vibrating frequencies.

In the embodiment, the link of each of the plurality of lifting devices extends in a first direction. The target object of each of the plurality of lifting devices is aligned with one of the plurality of through-holes of the panel in the first direction. Each target object extends out of the panel to the extended position beyond the outer surface of the panel or retracts to the retraced position below the outer surface of the panel via one of the plurality of through-holes when the corresponding driving device drives a corresponding link to move upward or downward in the first direction.

In the embodiment, each of the plurality of lifting devices further includes a lighting element coupled to the control device. The lighting element emits light beams when the corresponding target object is hit.

In the embodiment, the base further includes a cabinet. The panel and the cabinet together define a receiving space. Each of the plurality of through-holes extends through the panel and intercommunicates with the receiving space. Each of the plurality of lifting devices is received in the receiving space defined by the panel and the cabinet.

In the embodiment, the cabinet further includes a side having a coin slot and a coin ejector. A coin box is mounted in the receiving space. The coin slot extends through the cabinet and intercommunicates with the coin box.

In the embodiment, the base further includes a backboard connected to a side of the panel distant to the cabinet. A display is mounted to the backboard and coupled to the control device.

In the embodiment, the base includes a surface having a plurality of indication marks in the form of a plurality of lines. Each of the plurality of lines extends from an edge of the display along the backboard and the panel and leading to one of the plurality of lifting devices.

In the embodiment, the frequencies of the musical scales generated by the loudspeaker are preferably in a range between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.

The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional game machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a game machine of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the game machine of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with a target object of one of a plurality of lifting devices in an extended position.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the target object of the one of the plurality of lifting devices being hit.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the target objects of two lifting devices in the extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “coupling” referred to hereinafter means connection between two devices by a wire or wireless medium or a combination thereof (such as a heterogeneous network) such that the two devices can transfer data to each other, which can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.

The term “hit” referred to hereinafter means a gamer applying a force to a target object with bare hands or with a mallet to force the target object to move in the forcing applying direction, which can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.

A game machine of an embodiment according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The game machine includes a base 1, a plurality of lifting devices 2, a loudspeaker 3, and a control device 4. Each lifting device 2 is mounted in the base 1. The loudspeaker 3 and the control device 4 are connected to the base 1. Each lifting device 2 and the loudspeaker 3 are coupled to the control device 4.

The base 1 includes a panel 11 and a cabinet 12. The panel 11 and the cabinet 12 together define a receiving space R The panel 11 includes a plurality of through-holes 111. Each through-hole 111 extends through the panel 11 and intercommunicates with the receiving space R. The cabinet 12 includes a side having a coin slot 121 a and a coin ejector 121. A coin box 122 is mounted in the receiving space R. The coin slot 121 extends through the cabinet 12 and intercommunicates with the coin box 122. A gamer can insert a coin or a token to activate the game machine of the embodiment according to the present invention.

The lifting devices 2 are received in the receiving space R defined by the panel 11 and the cabinet 12. Each lifting device 2 includes a link 21, a driving device 22, a target object 23, and a sensor unit 24. Preferably, each link 21 extends in a first direction X. Each link 21 includes two ends respectively connected to a corresponding driving device 22 and a corresponding target object 23. Each driving device 22 is coupled to the control device 4. Each driving device 22 can be a power output device, such as a telescopic cylinder (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic telescopic cylinder), a motor, or an electromagnetic valve, to provide power for moving the corresponding link 21 upward or downward in the first direction X. Each target object 23 is aligned with one of the through-holes 111 of the panel 11 in the first direction. Each target object 23 extends out of the panel 11 to an extended position beyond an outer surface of the panel 11 or retracts to a retracted position below the outer surface of the panel 11 via one of the through-holes 111 when the corresponding driving device 22 drives the corresponding link 21 to move upward or downward in the first direction X. Each sensor unit 24 can be a sensor such as a proximity switch, an electric eye, or a micro switch. Furthermore, each sensor unit 24 is located adjacent to the corresponding link 21 for detecting whether the corresponding target object 23 is hit.

Specifically, each target object 23 is preferably a doll or model easily catching garners. When a driving device 22 drives a corresponding link 21 upward in the first direction X, the corresponding target object 23 extends out of the panel 11 via a corresponding through-hole 111. On the other hand, when a target object 23 is hit by the gamer, or a driving device 22 drives the corresponding link 21 to move downward in the first direction X, the target object 23 retracts to the retracted position below the outer surface of the panel 11. At the same time, the corresponding sensor unit 24 detects whether the target object 23 is hit and generates a hit signal if the target object 23 is hit.

The loudspeaker 3 can be an active speaker or a passive speaker. In the form shown, the base 1 further includes a backboard 13 connected to a side of the panel 11 distant to the cabinet 12. The loudspeaker 3 is mounted to the backboard 13. Nevertheless, the loudspeaker 3 can be mounted to the panel 11 or the cabinet 12 of the base 1. The control device 4 can be an operating device such as a control circuit board or a microcontroller unit (MCU). The control device 4 can be mounted to in the cabinet 12 or the backboard 13. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. The control device 4 is coupled to the driving device 22 and the sensor unit 24 of each lifting device 2. Furthermore, the control device 4 is coupled to the loudspeaker 3.

With reference to FIG. 4, by the above structural arrangement, a gamer can play the game machine of the embodiment according to the present invention. Specifically, the control device 4 can send an ascending signal to the driving device 22 of one of the lifting devices 2 a. After receiving of the ascending signal, the driving device 22 drives the corresponding link 21 upward in the first direction X to move the corresponding target object 23 out of the outer surface of the panel 11 via the corresponding through-hole 111.

With reference to FIG. 5, after the target object 23 extends out of the outer surface of the panel 11, the gamer can hit the target object 23 with bare hands or a mallet A. The target object 23 and the corresponding link 21 move downward below the outer surface of the panel 11 to its initial position. In this embodiment, each sensor unit 24 is a proximity switch and faces the corresponding target object 23. When the target object 23 is hit, the corresponding sensor unit 24 is pressed and generates a hit signal. The hit signal is transmitted back to the control device 4. After receiving of the hit signal, the control device 4 controls the loudspeaker 3 to generate a musical scale, and the gamer can hear the musical scale.

On the other hand, if the gamer fails to hit the target object 23 in time, the control device 4 can send a descending signal to the corresponding driving device 22. After receiving of the ascending signal, the corresponding driving device 22 drives the corresponding link 21 to move downward in the first direction X such that the target object 23 of the lifting device 2 a retracts to the retracted position below the outer surface the panel 11. In this case, the corresponding sensor unit 24 will not generate the hit signal, and the control device 4 will not control the loudspeaker 3 to generate the musical scale.

With reference to FIG. 5, while the target object 23 of the lifting device 2 a is waiting for hitting from the gamer, the control device 4 can send the ascending signal to the driving device 22 of another lifting device 2 b. After receiving the ascending signal, the driving device 22 of the lifting device 2 b drives the corresponding target object 23 out of the outer surface of the panel 11. Thus, the gamer can hit the target object 23 of the lifting device 2 b after hitting the target object 23 of the lifting device 2 a. The control device 4 can continuously receive hit signals and can control the loudspeaker 3 to generate continuous musical scales.

Note that when the control device 4 receives the hit signals generated by the sensor units 24 of the lifting devices 2, the control device 4 can control the loudspeaker 3 to generate musical signals having different vibrating frequencies. Furthermore, when the control device 4 receives the hit signals from the sensor unit 24 of the same lifting device 2, the control device 4 can generate musical signals having the same vibrating frequency or different vibrating frequencies. The present invention is not limited in this regard. However the frequencies of the musical scales generated by the loudspeaker 3 are preferably in a range between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz audible to the human ear.

Thus, a tune can be stored in the control device 4 in advance. The tune includes a plurality of notes corresponding to a plurality of ascending signals. The control device 4 continuously sends the ascending signals according to the notes of the tune. If the target object 23 of each lifting device 2 extending beyond the outer surface of the panel 11 is actually hit by the gamer, the loudspeaker 3 can generate musical scales in accordance with the notes of the tune under the same frequency. The gamer can hear the tune via the loudspeaker 3 to achieve a sense of great achievement while playing the game machine according to the present invention. Compared to the conventional game machine 9 providing a simple entertaining effect by hitting target objects 92, the game machine according to the present invention combines the movement of the target objects 23 with the musical scales such that the gamer can finish a tune by hitting the target objects 23, which is more entertaining and variable. Thus, the entertaining effect of game machines is increased.

Furthermore, if the gamer hits the target object 23 of each lifting device 2 at the right timing, the temple of the musical scales continuously generated by the loudspeaker 3 matches the tune such that the loudspeaker 3 can exactly play the tune. On the other hand, if the gamer hits the target object 23 of each lifting device 2 too late or too early, the temple of the musical scales continuously generated by the loudspeaker 3 could not match the tune. Thus, the gamer can judge his or her performance during the game by the similarity between the musical scales generated by the loudspeaker 3 and the tune. This would interest the gamer in playing the game machine according to the present invention again and again. Furthermore, the control device 4 can store many tunes and can send ascending signals to each lifting device 2 according to the notes in different tunes. These tunes form different stages providing different challenges to the gamer, effectively avoiding the gamer of feeling boring during the game and effectively avoiding the game machine from getting old fast.

With reference to FIG. 4, in addition to the link 21, the driving device 22, the target object 23, and the sensor unit 24, each lifting device 2 can further include a lighting element 25 coupled to the control device 4. The lighting element 25 can be an incandescent light, a fluorescent light, or a light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting element 25 emits light beams when the corresponding one of the target objects 23 is hit. Thus, when the control device 4 sends an ascending signal to the driving device 22 of one of the lifting devices 2 a to move the corresponding target object 23 to the extended position beyond the outer surface of the panel 11, the control device 4 can simultaneously control the corresponding lighting element 25 of the lifting device 2 a to emit light beams. The light beams emitted by the lighting element 25 not only increase the gaming effect of the game machine according to the present invention but remind the gamer that the target object 23 has extended beyond the outer surface of the panel 11, assisting the gamer in hitting the target object 23. The lighting elements 25 of the lifting devices 2 can emit light beams of the same or different colors. Furthermore, the color of the light beams emitted by the lighting element 25 of any lifting device 2 can correspond to the vibrating frequency of the musical scales generated by the corresponding loudspeaker 3 responsive to hitting of the target object 23, providing easy identification by the gamer, which can be easily conceived by one having ordinary skill in the art.

Furthermore, the game machine of the embodiment according to the present invention can further include a display 5 mounted to the backboard 13 and coupled to the control device 4. The control device 4 can generate a score based on the success rate of hitting the target objects 23 of the lifting devices 2 and the accuracy of the hitting timing. The display 5 can include seven display sections to display the score, which can be easily appreciated and implemented by one having ordinary skill in the art. The display 5 is preferably a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid display, or light-emitting diodes. The display 5 can remind the gamer the target object 23 has extended beyond the outer surface of the panel 11 by presenting a message S, assisting the gamer in hitting the target object 23.

With reference to FIG. 2, the base 1 can include a surface having a plurality of indication marks 14. Each indication mark 14 can be a line extending from an edge of the display 5 along the backboard 13 and the panel 11 and leading to one of the lifting devices 2. When the display presents the message S, the gamer can rapidly locate the lifting device 2 related to the message S and can hit the target object 23 of this lifting device 2 in time.

With reference to FIG. 6, since the control device 4 sends an ascending signal corresponding to each note of the preset tune to the corresponding lifting device 2, the target objects. 23 of several lifting devices 2 might have to be simultaneously driven to extend beyond the outer surface of the panel 11 if the tune has a quick temple. By providing the display 5, two messages S1 and S2 can be presented when the target objects 23 of two lifting devices 2 a and 2 b extend beyond the outer surface of the panel 11. The messages S1 and S2 corresponding to the two lifting devices 2 a and 2 b can remind the gamer 2 to hit the target objects 23 of the two lifting devices 2 a and 2 b, effectively assisting the gamer in playing the game.

In view of the foregoing, by providing the loudspeaker 3 continuously generating musical scales when the gamer hits the target object 23 of each lifting device 2 to form a tune, the game machine according to the present invention provides increased entertaining effect and avoids the game machine from getting old fast.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game machine comprising: a base including a panel having a plurality of through-holes; a plurality of lifting devices, with each of the plurality of lifting devices including a link, a driving device, a target object and a sensor unit, with each link including two ends respectively connected to a corresponding one of the driving devices and a corresponding one of the target objects, with each target object aligned with one of the plurality of through-holes of the panel, with each driving device driving a corresponding one of the links upward or downward to move the corresponding one of the target objects through one of the plurality of through-holes to an extended position extending out of an outer surface of the panel or a retracted position below the outer surface of the panel, and with each sensor unit located adjacent to the corresponding one of the links to detect whether the corresponding one of the target objects is hit; a loudspeaker mounted to the base; and a control device mounted to the base, with the control device coupled to the driving device and the sensor unit of each of the plurality of lifting devices, and with the control device coupled to the loudspeaker, wherein when the sensor unit detects the corresponding one of the target objects is hit, the sensor unit generates a hit signal indicative of hitting and sends the hit signal to the control device, and the control device receives the hit signal and controls the loudspeaker to generate a musical scale.
 2. The game machine as claimed in claim 1, with the control device sending an ascending signal to the driving device of each of the plurality of lifting devices, and with the driving device of each of the plurality of lifting devices receiving the ascending signal and driving the corresponding one of the links to move upward, causing upward movement of the corresponding one of the target objects to extend out of the panel via a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes aligned with the corresponding one of the plurality of lifting devices.
 3. The game machine as claimed in claim 2, with the control device including a tune stored therein, with the tune including a plurality of notes corresponding to a plurality of ascending signals, and with the control device continuously sending the plurality of ascending signals according to the plurality of notes of the tune.
 4. The game machine as claimed in claim 2, with each sensor unit being pressed and generating the hit signal when the corresponding one of the target objects extending out of the panel is hit, and with the hit signal transmitted back to the control device.
 5. The game machine as claimed in claim 2, with the control device receiving the hit signals generated by the sensor units of the plurality of lifting devices and controlling the loudspeaker to generate musical signals having different vibrating frequencies.
 6. The game machine as claimed in claim 1, with the link of each of the plurality of lifting devices extending in a first direction, with the target object of each of the plurality of lifting devices aligned with one of the plurality of through-holes of the panel in the first direction, and with each target object extending out of the panel to the extended position beyond the outer surface of the panel or retracting to the retraced position below the outer surface of the panel via one of the plurality of through-holes when the corresponding one of the driving devices drives a corresponding one of the links to move upward or downward in the first direction.
 7. The game machine as claimed in claim 1, with each of the plurality of lifting devices further including a lighting element coupled to the control device, and with the lighting element emitting light beams when the corresponding one of the target objects is hit.
 8. The game machine as claimed in claim 1, with the base further including a cabinet, with the panel and the cabinet together defining a receiving space, with each of the plurality of through-holes extending through the panel and intercommunicating with the receiving space, and with each of the plurality of lifting devices received in the receiving space defined by the panel and the cabinet.
 9. The game machine as claimed in claim 8, with the cabinet further including a side having a coin slot and a coin ejector, with a coin box mounted in the receiving space, and with the coin slot extending through the cabinet and intercommunicating with the coin box.
 10. The game machine as claimed in claim 8, with the base further including a backboard, with the backboard connected to a side of the panel distant to the cabinet, and with a display mounted to the backboard and coupled to the control device.
 11. The game machine as claimed in claim 10, with the base including a surface having a plurality of indication marks, with the plurality of indication marks including a plurality of lines, with each of the plurality of lines extending from an edge of the display along the backboard and the panel and leading to one of the plurality of lifting devices. 